In his first press conference proper Rene said that Hangeland was recovering fine and hoped that a return date could be confirmed soon. Also Amorebietta and Bent had been training but a further assessment would be needed before they could be considered for the squad on Saturday. On Adel Taarabt, Rene said he was keen to help the player "fulfil his potential." The team for Saturday? Consistency and confidence were requirements repeated today by Rene, so why change from last weekends line-up!!! please log in to view this image
If it ain't broke..... The only possible change I could see would be Duff in for Kaca for more defensive cover against Coleman & Peinaar/Deluefou/Mirallas down the right hand side where most of their attacks will come from. Our midfield three will have to be on song again against an impressive McCarthy, Barry, Barkley partnership. I'm not really expecting a result but a similar performance to the last two and we just might nick one.
Agreed. It's a tough match, but the last two performances offer reasons to be optimistic. No need to change a team that seems to have found its mojo again. The only changes I'm expecting are likely to be on the subs bench.
Interesting game this one. Everton have been reliable at home this season, although quite a few draws. They have a very talented squad and on paper should takes points off of us. However, we looked really good against villa and will ask a few questions of Everton. Add to that the win earlier in the season and we have a realistic chance. If we can get hold of the centre of midfield it will be interesting. Parker, Sidders and Karagounis work really well under Rene's play but Barkley will cause problems. McCarthy being out May help us. Need Dejagah and kava or duff to have a big game. If we can play high up the pitch from the kick off and keep Coleman and Oviedo busy who knows. Everton 2 fulham 2 COYW
A point against Everton will be a huge boost... The team seems to be clicking together and everybody enjoying their football. With the fitness improving all is possible... Come on Fulham
As well as Sidwell played in the last game I'd consider having Boateng come in and sit next to Parker in the holding position leaving Kara with more freedom to push forward. That should let us play with the flying wingers again and have one of the two slotting in should Everton break and the fullback is exposed. The wider system with balls getting out there faster might help us with away form - I feel like we can break much quicker now. Not to scapegoat Ruiz, but in the position of floating AM the ball was very slow going forward. I'd start with Duff or Kasami on the left with Kaca coming on toward the end regardless of whether we are chasing, winning or drawing. Duff looked puffed out after one lung bursting run only about 10 mins after he came on so I'm not sure his fitness will allow him to both attack and defend on the wings.
Rene's internal video interview - again full of clarity. You can't help but feel encouraged. [video=youtube;ZbAhuwXhEy0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbAhuwXhEy0&feature=player_embedded[/video] On team selection, it certainly doesn't sound as though he'll change much (if anything!).
I really like the Mule! Talks a lot of sense and boy does he talk! That aside, it's very encouraging, he clearly has a winning mentality that is getting over to the team. His policy of bringing younger players through is great. With Kit involved the integration will be easier too.
Very good interview indeed and nothing of that nonsense that we are targeting the lesser teams... Enough to make verybody want to come and get the points. We target every game... Anything we can get, even when we loose we need to loose with marginal difference... Nothing the sort of 3-0 against West Ham. And with the youngsters in stand by, the seniors will think twice...
Agree Craving. And it was terrific seeing Kit at the Villa game, out on the touchline shouting instructions to the back four.
I'm feeling nervous. Would love a result at Everton today. I'll go and buy our christmas tree to take my mind off the game.
Yet again it's a local boy in charge of our Merseyside game. The referee, Mr Taylor, is from Cheshire. He's the one that gave Chelsea their equaliser against Cardiff when Samuel Eto'o kicked the ball away as it was being bounced by keeper David Marshall. And was subsequently 'rested' by the Premier League. please log in to view this image
Kaca wins another questionable penalty, Berba casually dispatches. 1-1 with 24 mins left 7 mins later Coleman pops up, he's been on fire since I took him out the fantasy team.
Oh well, I am not happy with the result but splendid performance in the second half. The future can be bright...
Its no good deluding ourselves over our performances, WE LOST AGAIN and the worryong factor is those teams we would have expected to be looking down on 3 months ago are now drawing away from us. I would take a diabolical performance and 3 points over a good performance and 0 points,especially while we are in this position.
